Migrating SGML to XML: Lessons Learned.
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SVG versionTrack: Case Studies, Publishing, Knowledge Management
Audience Level: High Level/Technical View
Time: Wednesday, November 17 at 14:00
Keywords: XML, XSLT, SGML, Java, Content Management, Case Studies
Abstract:
Two years ago we began the process of upgrading our content management system. Part of this upgrade required our data to be migrated from an Informix database to an Oracle database. This presented us with the opportunity to convert our data from SGML to XML.
This presentation will focus on three areas: analysis/preparation for migration, migration of the data and lessons learned.
Data Analysis/Preparation. To build a XML DTD that was compatible with our SGML DTD it was necessary to examine every instance. This was accomplished through a combination of Perl and OmniMark. The output of these programs allowed us to build a XML DTD that all SGML instances would parse against after conversion.
Data Migration. Once the XML DTD was finished progams to move the SGML from one database, convert it to XML and then load it into the new database were created using Perl, Java, OmniMark, and XSLT. It was also vital to transfer metadata associated with each data instance. This was accomplished using XML and XSLT.
Lessons Learned. This section will focus on some of the "growing pains" we encountered (most of which were user expectations) and some of the benefits we are already experiencing from having our data in XML.
